For Device Driver Download and Updates Click Here >>

Washington drivers ignore cell phone ban

By: Drivers.com staff

Date: 2009-01-05

Washington state's laws against using hand-held cell phones while driving came into effect on July 1, 2008. As a safety measure, it is not known whether they worked or not. There isn't enough tangible evidence. The Washington State Patrol says collisions are down 11% over the 6 months but other factors could be at play - for example, less driving due to higher gas prices.

Also, police have to stop a driver for another offense before placing a cell phone charge. The number of $124 cell phone citations is miniscule compared with the 127,185 speeding citations issued during the same period. The offenders are mostly men (64%) and most tickets go to drivers under age 35.

Anecdotal evidence and personal observations from Police and others indicates that, after an initial fall-off, use of hand-held phones while driving is creeping up again as drivers realize that enforcement levels are low and the chance of avoiding traffic citations is good.

Comments to this article have been disabled.



Truck Driving Jobs

driving information
other driver info
travel information for drivers

Travel and Driving